PUPILS should consider studying at Further Education and Training (FET) institutions instead of universities, National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) chief Msulwa Daca said on Monday.
Daca was speaking at the launch of the open week in the Metro South Education District at Sinethemba High in Philippi.
Daca told about 5 000 pupils, NSFAS was there to make sure family circumstances do not deter future prospects.
He urged pupils to move away from that mentality of registering in well-known institutions.
“NSFAS gives you a full bursary to study at FETs. In universities, NSFAS gives you a loan. As you know, a loan can be terminated any time.”
Grade 11 Philippi High pupil Sesam Mngqengqiswa, 16, said she would make informed decisions when it comes to applying for a bursary and choosing a career.
“Although I come from an unfortunate background that does not mean an unfortunate future. Most students drop out of tertiary institutions after they choose wrong careers because of a lack of information.”
Sinethemba High School Grade 12 pupil Anelisa Sofute, 17, said she would enrol at an FET college.
MSED director Glen van Harte urged pupils to move beyond the confines of one career and make decisions when they are in Grade 9.
“Chances of unemployment are high in this huge district. It has 165 000 pupils, meaning those who will not make wise career decisions will settle for less.”
MSED Life Orientation adviser Charmaine Pietersen encouraged teachers to show pupils how to choose careers before leaving high school.
“By the time they leave they must know what they are going to do.”